The Holy Theotokos and the Eight Day Fast
Tradition, History, and Faith
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| Nativity of St Mary, Syriac Icon |
In the tradition of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, the feast day of a saint is usually celebrated on the date of his or her departure from this earthly life, which the Church understands as a birth into eternal life. The Church therefore normally commemorates her saints on the day of their passing into eternity. The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ holds a unique place in the Christian liturgical tradition. The Nativity celebrations of the Holy Mother of God and St. John the Baptist developed later in the liturgical life of the Church and came to be honoured as important feasts.
The annual celebration of St. Mary's birth, according to ancient Christian tradition, honours the beginning of the earthly life of the woman whom God chose to become the Mother of the incarnate Word. The four canonical Gospels do not record the details of St. Mary's birth and childhood. These traditions have instead been preserved through ancient Christian writings and ecclesiastical tradition, especially the Protevangelium of James, together with the liturgical and devotional heritage of the Church.
The Syriac Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of St. Mary without accepting the later Western doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. Nevertheless, the Church profoundly honours Mary's holiness, purity, obedience, and unique vocation, calling her Yoldath Aloho, ‘the Mother of God.’ Her holiness is understood in relation to God's plan of salvation and above all, to the mystery of the Incarnation.
Mary’s Birth and Early Church Tradition
As mentioned above, the canonical Gospels do not provide a detailed account of Mary's birth or childhood. Ancient Christian tradition, however, preserves these accounts in writings such as the Protevangelium of James. According to this tradition, Joachim and Hanna were a devout couple who had remained childless for many years. Their childlessness brought them deep sorrow and, according to the tradition, social shame. Through prayer, fasting, tears, and trust in God, they were blessed with the birth of Mary.
As per ancient Christian tradition, Joachim was the royal line of David, while Hanna was traditionally associated with priestly lineage. These genealogical details belong to ecclesiastical tradition rather than being explicitly established by the canonical Gospels.
The story of Joachim and Hanna therefore forms an important part of the Church's remembrance of the parents and birth of the Mother of God. It also connects Mary's story with the larger biblical history of God's promises and prepares the way for the mystery of Christ's Incarnation.
Their perseverance teaches us a lasting spiritual lesson. When people experience sorrow, disappointment, or circumstances beyond their control, they can turn to God with faith and perseverance. For generations, this tradition has therefore been a source of hope and encouragement for Christian families.
History of the September Eight Day Fast
Along with the celebration of St. Mary's Nativity, many Syrian Christian communities in India observe eight days of fasting and prayer from September 1 through September 8. This is commonly known in Malayalam as Ettu Nombu, or the Eight Day Fast. Contemporary Syriac Orthodox parish sources identify this as a practice particularly observed among Syrian Christians in India and note that it is not an obligatory fast in the universal canonical list of obligatory fasts set by the Church.
The exact historical development of the observance cannot be established with complete certainty. There are, however, ancient and local traditions concerning its origin. According to surviving Syriac narratives , one such tradition connects the practice with a Christian community in the region of Hirtha or Hira near Basra.
According to this traditional account, the crisis came to an unexpected end during the period of prayer and fasting, and the community gave thanks to God for their deliverance. Later retellings contain additional details, but not every detail can be independently verified today. It is therefore best understood as an ancient Syriac Christian tradition associated with the historical memory preserved by Bar Hebraeus rather than as an event whose every detail can be established with modern historical certainty.
The spiritual message remains clear. When Christian communities face danger, fear, or persecution, they turn toward God through prayer, fasting, repentance, and place their trust in His mercy.
Ettu Nombu and the Malankara Tradition
The Eight Day Fast eventually became deeply rooted in the Christian life of Malankara. There are different traditions concerning how and when the observance became established in Kerala. According to Malankara tradition, one connection associates the practice with periods of invasion and insecurity, including the fall of Christian centres such as Kodungallur. Such accounts belong to the historical and devotional memory of the community.
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| Manarcad Church Icon |
The experiences of Syrian Christians in Kerala, including periods of political upheaval and danger during the time of Tipu Sultan, also contributed to a culture in which communities turned to collective prayer, fasting, vows, and devotion when facing uncertainty.
The precise claim that the present Eight Day Fast originated directly from a particular event during Tipu Sultan's campaigns should, however, be regarded as local historical tradition unless supported by specific contemporary historical evidence.
What is clear is that Ettu Nombu became deeply established in Malankara Christian spirituality. Families and communities observe these days through fasting, prayer, church attendance, devotional gatherings, and vows of thanksgiving and supplication.
Places such as St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral in Manarcad are especially renowned for the solemn observance of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God and the Eight Day Fast. The tradition has also become deeply rooted in many Syriac Christian communities throughout Kerala and among the Malankara diaspora.
September Nativity and August Shunoyo
To understand the September observance correctly, it is important to distinguish it from the Shunoyo Fast and Feast in August.
The major Marian feast of Shunoyo, observed on August 15, commemorates the Dormition or departure of the Holy Mother of God. The Syriac Orthodox tradition has a recognised Marian fast associated with this feast, traditionally beginning on August 1, although the duration and discipline of the fast have varied in different periods and ecclesiastical contexts.
September 8 is different. It celebrates the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God. The Eight Day Fast from September 1 to September 8 has become particularly beloved in India and especially in Malankara, but it is not imposed as a universal canonical fast upon all Syriac Orthodox faithful throughout the world.
Therefore, the September fast should neither be presented as replacing the August Shunoyo fast nor dismissed because of its regional devotional character. The two observances commemorate different mysteries concerning the same Holy Mother of God:
August 15, Shunoyo: Her departure and glorification.
September 8, Nativity: Her birth and the beginning of her earthly life.
They are therefore complementary rather than competing observances.
The Theotokos and the Spiritual Meaning of Ettu Nombu
The Syriac Orthodox Church's devotion to Mary is deeply rooted in a Christ-centred theology. She is called Yoldath Aloho, the Mother of God, because the One she bore is truly God the Word who became truly human. Syriac Christian tradition honours her through biblical images such as the Burning Bush, the Ark of the Covenant, and Jacob's Ladder, and understands her obedience in contrast with Eve's disobedience. As the New Eve, Mary always points the faithful toward her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Eight Day Fast from September 1 to September 8 is therefore an opportunity for prayer, repentance, thanksgiving, and spiritual renewal. Fasting is not merely a change in diet, but a turning of the whole person toward God through prayer, self control, charity, forgiveness, reconciliation, Holy Qurbana, and Scripture. As we observe Ettu Nombu, may these sacred days deepen our faith and bring us closer to Christ through the prayers and example of the Holy Mother of God.
The Continuing Tradition of Ettu Nombu
The Eight Day Fast has become deeply rooted in the spiritual life of the Malankara Church, preserving the rich Syriac Christian heritage of prayer, hymnody, and devotion from one generation to another. More than a devotional custom or dietary discipline, Ettu Nombu is a living expression of faith, prayer, repentance, and hope.
The Nativity of the Holy Mother of God reminds us of God's providential work in salvation history. The faith of Joachim and Hanna teaches perseverance in prayer, while Mary's obedience points us toward faithful submission to God's will. As we observe these sacred days, may our devotion to the Theotokos deepen our Christian life and always lead us to her Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May her prayers strengthen our families and guide us ever more faithfully toward Christ, to whom be glory, honour, and worship, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Fr Thomas K Poothicote.
References
Bar Hebraeus, also known as Bar Ebroyo, Ecclesiastical Chronicle. The Syriac historical tradition associated with the ancient Christian communities of the region.
Protevangelium of James. An ancient Christian text preserving traditions concerning Joachim, Hanna, the birth of Mary, and her early life.
Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, “The Holy Virgin Mary in the Syrian Orthodox Church.”
Bhagyanikshepam. The Eight Day Fast meditation and devotional tradition associated with Mor Chrysostomos Mosa Salama.
Syriac Orthodox liturgical calendars, Beth Gazo hymnography, prayers, and traditional liturgical services concerning the Holy Mother of God.
Malankara Syriac Christian traditions concerning Ettu Nombu and the Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God.
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